This collection of traditional music from Ireland and Scotland arranged for solo guitar is the result of passionate study and adaptation of the tradition by some of the finest musicians playing in this genre. This is the c... more &raquoompanion album to Vestapol Video 13063 The Blarney Pilgrim. Artists: Pat Kirtley, Martin Simpson, Steve Baughman, Duck Baker, Pierre Bensusan, Tom Long, and El McMeen.&laquo less

Synopsis

Album Description

This collection of traditional music from Ireland and Scotland arranged for solo guitar is the result of passionate study and adaptation of the tradition by some of the finest musicians playing in this genre. This is the companion album to Vestapol Video 13063 The Blarney Pilgrim. Artists: Pat Kirtley, Martin Simpson, Steve Baughman, Duck Baker, Pierre Bensusan, Tom Long, and El McMeen.

CD Reviews

Wonderful Melodies

Kerry Blasingim | Alton, Illinois United States | 01/05/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The pieces on this album are done beautifuly. The only objection I might have is that they're occaisionally hard to follow when working with the book they're based on. For those interested in traditional irish music and/or fingerstyle guitar, this is an excellent introduction"

Seven Musicians Musicking

Marc Ruby? | Warren, MI USA | 12/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to hand it to Rounder, and the likes of Steven Grossman, for putting together a set of CDs with some of the best and most favorite of Caltic fingerstyle guitar playing and marrying them to a good set of instructional works. The Celtic guitar, with its alternate tunings and intricate playing is a creature all on its own, despite its deceptive familiarity. Some things are easier, and others devilishly difficult. Grossman's pioneering is much to be appreciated.

This album follows the same pattern as Ramble to Cashel, the first entry in the series. Several of the masters of this genre (Pat Kirtley, Martin Simpson, Steve Baughman, Pierre Bensusan, Duck Baker, Tom Long, and Ed MacMeen) appear in 20 separate cuts. Much is familiar, and some sounds familiar, as the player builds on the body of music he draws from. You can contrast Simpson's contemplative playing with the stronger rhythms Baughman. I was awed by Duck Baker's speed in Blarney Pilgrim, only to be set further aback by The Rakes of Waterloo.

Of course, there is no need to purchase the guidebook to enjoy this CD, which will no doubt set you on a long quest for even more examples of Celtic musicianship. Expect to become a fan, Celt or not.